‘Disinfection of seized pork products ASF protocol’

MANILA, Philippines — An official of the Department of Agriculture defended yesterday the move of the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Bohol to disinfect confiscated pork products, including lechon, in Tagbilaran amid the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in Carcar, Cebu.

At a press conference, Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary and deputy spokesman Rex Estoperez said spraying of disinfectant is part of the protocol to prevent the spread of ASF.

“Our veterinary officials disinfect all condemned pork,” he said.

Estoperez was reacting to a video that went viral showing PVO officials spraying disinfectants on confiscated lechon in Tagbilaran.

“We are not sure if these are even safe for human consumption. We also want to discourage the public from bringing pork products,” he said.

The Bohol provincial government had imposed border controls on pork products after ASF cases were confirmed in Carcar.

On Thursday, port authorities confiscated lechon, processed pork meat and pork siomai as well as noodles, pasta and hopia, which contained pork.

At least 30 kilos of pork, mostly brought by passengers from Cebu, have been confiscated in Bohol since last week.